How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You; with Stephanie Chung

In today’s episode, Alan sits down with Stephanie Chung, a trailblazing aviation executive, leadership strategist, and best selling author of Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Aren’t Like You. With over 35 years of aviation experience—from parking planes at Boston Logan Airport to becoming the first Black president of a major U.S. private aviation company—Stephanie brings a powerhouse perspective on modern leadership.

Together, Alan and Stephanie unpack what it really means to lead diverse teams in an age of cultural complexity and generational divide. They dive into her powerful leadership framework—A.L.L.Y. (Ask, Listen, Learn, You Take Action)—and discuss how leaders can earn the right to be called allies, not just declare it.

You’ll learn:

• Stephanie’s journey from the tarmac to the boardroom

• Why the acronym A.L.L.Y. is more than a buzzword—it’s a roadmap for relational leadership

• The reality of leading across six generations in today’s workforce

• How to overcome bias by rewiring your brain through exposure and empathy

• What it really takes to earn the title of "ally leader" (Hint: receipts required!)

• The surprising advantages of a diverse, opinionated team—and how to manage it

• Practical steps to ask better questions, lead with curiosity, and rally your people around a shared mission

Quotes to Remember:

“Don’t overcomplicate leadership. Same stuff you learned in kindergarten—ask, listen, learn.” – Stephanie Chung “You can’t self-anoint yourself as an ally. You have to earn it.” “Curiosity is the birthplace of better leadership.”

Grab the Book:

Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Aren’t Like You Available wherever books are sold. Visit Stephanie’s website for more info.

Connect with Stephanie:

• Instagram: @thestephaniechung

• TikTok: @thestephaniechung

• Website: stephaniechung.com